New Zealand in charge

Mehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
New Zealand 329-2 89.5 overs (Latham 136, Williamson 95, Guptil 87, Williams 1-15, Tiripano 1-58)
A FLUENT 100 by opener Thomas Latham and an unbeaten near ton by skipper Kane Williamson put New Zealand in firm control on the opening day of the second cricket Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club yesterday. On a day which belonged to the Kiwis, Latham made 136 runs from 269 balls, his fifth Test hundred, the second in a row against Zimbabwe while skipper Williams was also yet to be conquered on 95 runs off 128 deliveries for New Zealand’s first innings score of 329 for two in 89.5 overs after they had won the toss and opted to bat.

The left handed Latham put on an opening partnership of 169 runs with Martin Guptil who compiled 87. Latham went on to combine with his captain Williamson for a 160 run second wicket stand which was broken right at the end of the first day.

Zimbabwe used seven bowlers but out of those it was only seamer Donald Tiripano and left arm spinner Sean Williams who picked up one wicket apiece.

The home side made three changes to the team beaten by an innings and 117 runs in the first Test played at the same venue. Off spinner John Nyumbu, top order batsman Tinotenda Mawoyo and wicketkeeper Peter Joseph Moor were brought into the starting line-up for Hamilton Masakadza, Regis Chakabva and Brian Chari. Moor made his Test and was presented with his cap by former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Wayne James.

New Zealand, one nil up in the series decided to go with the same 11 they used in the first Test.

A lifeless bowling performance by Zimbabwe in the first session of the day saw New Zealand keeping all the wickets heading into the lunch break which saw the visitors on 101 for no loss in 28 overs, Guptil unbeaten on 49 runs while his batting partner Latham was also unconquered on 42.

Guptil and Latham reached their respective half centuries when play resumed after the break.

Tiripano, in his 10th over got the big breakthrough, Guptil trapped leg before wicket to depart for an innings which had him face 149 deliveries, put away 11 fours and one six in 208 minutes spent at the crease. The match heads into its second day this morning.

@Mdawini_29